You should have a will, even if you use other estate planning tools to distribute your property. 

Most people should have a will. Wills can distribute your property, name an executor, name guardians for children, forgive debts and more. Having a will also means that you, rather than your state’s laws, decide who gets your property when you die. In most cases, wills are typewritten legal documents that are signed and witnessed, but some states do recognize other types of wills.

Thank you to Jennifer deGrauuw!